Provide objects of different weights for the students to compare, such as a thimble, book, crayon, cup and spoon. Discuss how to use pounds and ounces to measure the weight of solid objects. Ask students to line up the objects in order of lightest to heaviest. Have the students check for accuracy by measuring the objects with a digital or balance scale.
Help students gain an understanding of the actual weight of different objects. Ask students to use a balance scale, weight set and provided objects. Instruct the students to select an object that weighs a particular weight, such as 1 lb., 5 oz.. To balance the scale, they must place the correct weights on one side of the scale and place the object with the matching weight on the other side
Teach the class to compare distances by providing each student with a pencil, book and a 2-foot piece of string. Each item is the same size for every student. Ask the students to measure the distance from one location in the classroom to another location using the three different objects. For example, ask them to measure the distance from the teacher's desk to the classroom door. The students use the objects to determine the distance, such as 15 pencils, 10 books or two pieces of string. Test the activity before performing in class to ensure all distances are whole numbers.
As an ongoing activity throughout the school year, measure each student's height once per month. Create a chart to hang in the classroom with each student's name and a column for her height. Ask students to use superlative words to describe which two students are the tallest and shortest. Create comparisons among students using "taller" and "shorter."
Discuss how liquids take the shape of the container they are in, but the amount does not change as it moves from container to container. Dye water using food coloring and select different containers, such as a water bottle, mixing bowl, milk jug and plastic cup. Using a measuring cup, ask students to pour a given amount of liquid into all the containers and compare them. Continue the activity by asking students to pour different amounts of liquid into each container. Ask the students to compare and contrast how much liquid it takes to fill each container.
Review the different ways to measure liquids by providing students with utensils or containers that measure the following: teaspoon, tablespoon, cup, liter, quart, gallon, pint and ounce. Divide the students into small groups of two or three and give each group measuring utensils and a container of water. Provide a worksheet with the following questions and ask students to convert the measurements using the utensils and water: How many teaspoons are in a cup? How many quarts are in a gallon? How many cups are in a pint? How many ounces are in a cup? How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon? How many ounces are in a liter?
Help students gain an understanding of time by asking them to predict time intervals. Cover or remove any clocks in the classroom. Have students raise their hand when they think 10, 15, 30 or 45 seconds have passed. Repeat the intervals until students have a solid understanding of time intervals. Extend the activity by asking how much time will pass before the next class, lunch, recess or the end of the school day. Set a timer and see how many students correctly guess the answer.
Practice telling time by reading digital and analog clocks. Have students create a timeline of a typical school day, listing about five to eight events that take place during the day. Next to the event, have each student draw an analog and digital clock with the correct time associated with each event.